Thursday, July 30, 2015

WRITE NOW - PROFESSIONALISM ON SOCIAL PAGES

WRITE
NOW: PROFESSIONALISM ON SOCIAL PAGES

Posts
affect a writer's credibility and reputation.

Social pages shouldn't be work, you say.Depends.While social pages provide a relaxed writing atmosphere where you can
communicate with friends and family, as a freelance writer, especially if
you're a journalist, the basic rules still apply.When posting or commenting on social pages, my
rule of thumb is to assume that everything
is public whether my privacy settings are in flux or not.I speak my mind, I express my opinions, but
hopefully with a degree of professionalism.

Fact check posts that spark your
response.Picture it:
You see a political post on your Facebook timeline that makes your blood
boil.Your knee-jerk reaction is to
share it with a fiery comment straight from your heart.Well, okay, but first run through the
considerations below.

Consider the source.Before you stake your reputation on any
article posted on a social page, find out its origin.CNN?
Reputable source.Cousin Clara's Homespun Wisdom Blog? Perhaps reputable, but find a
backup source.Source unknown?Google the
topic and see what else appears online about it.Also, try Googling the headline of the post
with the word hoax or scam in the search box to keep from getting suckered and
having your reputation/credentials damaged online.

Consider researching facts before
joining a crusade. Someone shared a video of a mother
abusing a baby with the post: "Please share!This woman, and the person filming her should
be in jail!Save this baby!"I Googled the video and found that the mother
was a teenager who had an abusive history.Her aunt videoed the abuse to provide evidence when she contacted the
authorities, and the situation had been resolved. So I modified the message
accompanying the video in my post: "BABY IS FINE. Mother in prison.Videographer was reporter of crime. Baby
being cared for by family members."

Consider timing. For
instance, expediency is essential when posting Amber Alerts.So immediately share, but as soon as you do,
Google it, check the date of the alert and the status.Follow up your share with appropriate official updates.No speculation.

Consider intent.Obviously doctored photo?Outrageous accusation?Blatantly sensationalist?Almost certainly libelous?Before sharing, I always put myself in the
story/photo/video, and ask myself: would I want it splashed all over the
internet without anyone verifying some
facts or background information?

Consider your credibility.Carving yourself a niche with your opinions
is one thing.Becoming the ranting
maniac that no one takes seriously is another thing, especially if you list
yourself as a freelance writer, and use your social page for professional
networking.

Consider legal ramifications.Posting erroneous, libelous, or untruthful
comments may get you taken seriously as the writer that got slapped with a lawsuit.Rule of thumb: No proof?No publish.

Consider the ramifications of
'liking' pages and causes.Be careful that you know about the background, affiliations, and
legitimacy of each group or cause you align yourself with on social pages.

Social
pages are amazing marketing, networking, and socializing tools as long as you
keep in mind that every comment you make instantly appears to your readers and
colleagues and shapes your professional and personal reputation and
credibility.

On
September 13th, 2015 Terri married her Hottie Scottie, Blaze
McRob (Robert Nelson), who is an equally twisted horror writer who found her
online, crept into her world, swept her off her feet and revels in the fact that
they are two peas in a very strange pod.

No
doubt there will be many dark fiction tales for ooky aficionados to revel in
coming very soon.